But the Cherries are now top of the Championship and unbeaten in their last 12 games in all competitions, while Liverpool have lost six and won just three of their previous dozen matches.

After crashing out of the Champions League and falling seven points behind fourth place in the Premier League, following a painful 3-0 defeat at Manchester United, Brendan Rodgers is under pressure to turn things round on Merseyside.

But on the south coast his team should face a stern examination of their credentials and another defeat would leave Liverpool’s confidence shattered before the visit of Arsenal at the weekend.

For that reason, it is imperative that Rodgers gets his team selection right.

Mario Balotelli and Glen Johnson are both ruled out through injury, and rumours are flying around Liverpool fan forums and social media suggesting that Liverpool’s line up has been leaked.